Deciding if benefit of chemo outweighs the risks

teamk2014

Hello, I was diagnosed on Nov 18, 2014 with IDC with ILC features.  I had a lumpectomy (2.1cm) on 12/2, 6 nodes removed all negative.  Just received my oncotype results on 12/23 – score is 20.  Am 55 and still premenopausal.  No other known health issues.  Any tips on deciding if chemo is right for me? 
I have researched for the side effects and late side effect documents but still trying to weigh through these. 
If I don’t do chemo, I will start 7 weeks of radiation followed up tamoxifen. 
Any suggestions or resources I should be reviewing that will help me with this decision would be greatly appreciated?  Thanks!

 

 

Lily55

You need to realize that oncologists are only aboe to prescribe surgery, chemo, radiotherapy and hormone treatments, they simply are not allowed to suggest anything else. Also chemo does NOT kill cancer stem cells and its these that cancer spreads from , remember that there are absolute statistics and relative stastistics you can look these up on this website.......

With your stats i would not have chemo but you need to reaxh a decision you can live with and not regret in future......hope this help

teamk2014

Thanks Lily55 for the response.  I will look the reference stats mentioned. 

fizzdon52

I am from New Zealand and was diagnised with ILC last January, had lumpectomy 3.5 tumour the rest of my stats are below. Because I had negative nodes, (thank goodness) I wasn't offered Chemo, they seem to only give chemo for ILC if you have positives nodes, in this country anyway and from what I've learned Canada and Australia are very similar to New Zealand.. They say the benefits don't outway the risks and there is evidence that Lobular doesn't respond to Chemo the way Ductal does. Also Tamoxifen and Aromatase inhibitors seem to be very effective for Lobular? I also have monthly Zoladex injections which I give myself to stop my ovaries as I was pre-menopausal as well. You should do some reading about how effective Aromatase Inhibitors are versus Tamoxifen. I would ask them about the IDC with Lobular features?

Moderators

Dear teamk2014, Welcome to the BCO community. We are thrilled that you reached out to this informed and supportive community of others who have walked similar paths. You have already received some responses and experiences from members here. It is still a very personal decision as to whether or not to do chemotherapy. It sounds like you are doing all the right things to obtain more information and to weigh your choices.You may want to review some information on our site about Who Gets Chemotherapy and Oncotype Testing. Keep us posted and best wishes to you. The Mods

Racy

Dear Teamk, first I suggest you consult with at least two oncologists as part of your decision making. 

Secondly, I strongly suggest that you ask about being placed into menopause so that you can take an AI instead of Tamoxifen. Femara, an AI, has proven very effective with ILC.

Good luck making the right decision.